Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Bayonetta 2 is an old game but I didn't have a Wii U back when it first came out, now I do but the game is pricey so I rented it with my free trial of Gamefly. I have to say, I really like this game.

Yes, the story line is average, cheesy and often times, doesn't make any sense but that doesn't take away the charm of the game. Yes, there are often innuendos, sometimes blatant perversion, that accompany the game. And yes, if you tell people that Bayonetta uses her hair to fight which also happens to be her clothes so they come right off, and you're a woman, people will think you're a lesbian. Happened to me at work. This is why I shouldn't talk about video games to non-gamers, they just don't get it, am I right? I think she's cool. Bayonetta is an incredibly empowered woman. She has guns attached to her stilettos for Pete's sake! And, she punishes bad angels and demons😆

So, anyway, the game is fast-paced, lots of fights, one after the other. Game play is very smooth, no lags, no glitches (as far as I know). It also explains a lot about Balder (Bayonetta's father) and why he was the bad guy in the last game. That is, this story takes place after the previous game and yet is the reason for the previous game; time logic and all that. I really like the young Balder in this game, he's a hot mage/sage, who doesn't like that? And then I read that his Japanese voice actor is Koyasu Takehito in the credits, ie, Hotohori's seiyu! FYI, I love, love, love Hotohori!! Aside from that, Balder is one of the best characters to fight in this game.

So, if you like fighting games where you have to dodge because blocking is a no-no, awesome weapons, using your hair/clothes to summon demon pets, and ogle a hot sage, this game is for you. It's one of those games I would definitely play again because there is hardly a dull moment. Overall, I give Bayonetta2 a 4.5/5.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

For those who likes ghost hunting shows, here's a good one I've been watching on YouTube: EVP Mediums (they also have a Facebook page). They don't have a lot of viewers but I personally think they do a better job than the ones with funding on tv. *cough, cough* Ghost Adventures! Don't get me wrong, I like Ghost Adventures, but most of the time it's too dramatic for my taste. I want to see the evidence captured, not watch theatrical displays by the camera-loving hosts.

EVP mediums use their own money to fund their projects, and they don't stalk out all night for ghosts to come by for a few EVPs. These people get a lot of them from their many devices because they travel to active haunt sites and pass the spirits on. Their evidence is compelling and they do ask spirits to show proofs they are there (ie, ask them to repeat a long word, ask them how many fingers they're holding up, ask them what a sign says, etc.).

You might wonder if they're getting so many EVPs, then wouldn't that mean they're faking it? I don't think so. If they are, then so are those guys on TV using pretty much the same or better devices. And if they're all lying, it's still a good watch. So this is my plug for EVP mediums. Their episodes/campaigns are short, sweet and to the point. The people are real; their reactions genuine and far from histrionic.

So then, to the second point of my post about Malphas. What about him? Well, I thought it was interesting since one of my previous books was titled "Malphas." He is a famous demon (a prince of Hell) mentioned in several old texts, more notably, the Goetia. Well, EVP Mediums went to check out one haunt site (a house) that the owner requested because she's afraid for her family. During their walk-through, it seems the house has a portal and somehow Malphas was conjured there and he lives in the area of the house the spirits dubbed 'the Cave.' The house was very active with human spirits who kept asking for help but the owner refused to let EVP Mediums do a passing because the kinder spirits are trying to protect her family... which is a strange idea since she must know spirits are trapped there when they pass... possibly including her if she stays, and that's a selfish thought to keep them grounded in misery. Just my opinion. However, the team couldn't do anything without the owner's permission, else that's trespassing.

In that campaign, Malphas's voice could be heard through the recorders and the stranger part is, the EVP team has now made an enemy out of him, especially Dave, the host. Malphas has been following them throughout their new campaigns, taunting them, threatening them, trying to keep them from passing spirits over. Dave is as calm as can be but grows increasingly disturbed whenever he hears that voice, which has a distinct tone all its own, and seems to target him. This is indeed terrible for the team but at the same time, it is something that has never been captured on any other shows.

EVP Mediums continue to delve into the world of the paranormal, despite the threats, because they don't want to be intimidated. Since they're regular folks with day jobs who do this in their free time with money from their own pockets, please like/subscribe to their YouTube channels if you happen to check them out.

As for Malphas, some theorists have wondered if Malphas is one entity, one entity that can be in multiple places at once (Quantum physics?) or a class of entities whose members all call themselves Malphas (the way humans classify themselves as Caucasian, Hispanic, African, Asian, etc.). What they do know, is that Malphas is dangerous. The way Dave suppresses his rage, fear and agitation whenever Malphas comes through the Spiritus, seems to point to the fact that there must be more happening off screen they won't say. Scary stuff either way!

Anyway, this post if getting too long so I'll cut it off here. Once again, if you're interested in paranormal investigations, this one is a must see. Check out EVP Mediums on YouTube!

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Went to the Pompeii exhibit earlier today. It was amazing! Here are some pics I took. So much of life in 79AD reminds me of modern day. Hydraulic valves, folding tables, imported pottery from southern France, glass tumblers, braided gold jewelry, dinner tray tables to eat while lazing on the couch just like our current tv dinner tray tables but fancier, etc. Also learned that in brothels, the women took Greek names to portray certain erotic fantasies, and these days strippers also use different names, mostly liquors and spice... not sure if Sinnamon counts as a spice though 😆.

Look at this sexy beast! A bust of Augustus Caesar's nephew! <3

Casts made of Pompeii's denizens in their final moments (including the poor puppy).